Social Worker

Description

Position Overview

The Social Worker works as part of an interdisciplinary team to assess and respond to the psycho-social, practical, financial, and legal concerns of the Hospice patient and family.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Social Work Case Management

• Provides medical social work case management and services to Hospice patients and their families through visits and telephone calls.
• Assesses and responds to the psycho-social, practical, financial, and legal concerns of the Hospice patients and families.
• Completes the social work assessments and all associated documentation in a timely manner.
• Identifies problems, goals, interventions and frequency of visits to complete the social work Plan of Care.
• Collaborates on an ongoing basis with other hospice team members.
• Provides counseling and psycho-educational information to Hospice patients and families.
• Assists Hospice patients and families in accessing and using community resources.
• Evaluates Hospice patient and familys financial resources and make referrals to community resources, if indicated.
• Assists Hospice patients and families with funeral arrangements, advanced directives and POLST status.
• Assesses for respite care and coordinates care-giving support with other Hospice staff and community resources.
• Makes referrals for patient care volunteer services to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Serves as a liaison to social and community agencies regarding the Hospice program.
• Assumes other duties in support of Hospices needs.
• Works within the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) structure to complete, revise, and implement the patients Plan of Care.
• Acts as a resource to IDG members in cases where complex psycho-social problems exist.
• Assists IDG members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the care of terminally ill patients and families.
• Works closely with Grief Support Services to ensure that family members at risk for complicated bereavement receive assessments and appropriate referrals for support.

Admissions Support

• Care Services Coordinator back-up: Guides patients and families through the referral process from info visit until consents are signed.
• Intake Coordinator support: As available, serves as second line in answering telephone/responding to phone and fax requests for information from physicians, patients, family members and other callers with information about Hospice services and explains Hospice eligibility, services, and payment options to prospective patients.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Works with Hospice patients in home, Skilled Nursing and Residential Care settings. The conditions in homes and facilities vary with each patient.
• Provides own transportation to patients places of residence.
• Successfully performs the essential duties and responsibilities of the position through the use of physical activities as described below:
  • Regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, talking, use of hands, listening, and observing.
  • Regularly requires working at a computer station for 2-4 hours at a time.
  • Regularly requires the use of the telephone.
  • Occasionally requires reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting items weighing 25 pounds or less.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master degree in social work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Clinical experience relevant to the counseling and casework needs of hospice patients and families.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Willing to implement services to the patients and their family as guided by the philosophy of Hospice of Humboldt.
• Willingness to work in the context of an Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) approach.
• Ability to assess and respond to the psycho-social, practical, financial, and legal concerns of the patient and family.
• Ability to listen and respond non-judgmentally with respect to others beliefs.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Valid drivers license, proof of acceptable automobile insurance coverage, and reliable transportation.
• Willing to present at workshops and trainings, as needed.
• Proficient computer skills.

Salary : $29 - $36